People often seek opportunity. A new job. A side hustle. A new relationship. More growth. Just the word “opportunity” can conjure feelings of excitement and anticipation for the potential good to come.
A few weeks ago, we talked about the importance of seeking God and that if we knock, the door will be opened to us (Matthew 7:7). How often do we seek opportunity to be the one standing on the other side of the door when it is opened for someone looking for a better understanding of His plan for our lives?
In Colossians 4, Paul is in prison, and this is his request of the brethren at Coloassae: “Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the Word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known as I should.” (v. 2-4)
Paul could have asked the Colossians to pray for so many things:
- Pray for my safety in prison
- Pray for my health in prison
- Pray for me to GET OUT of prison
But, he didn’t. He prayed for the opportunity to be able to speak to others about Jesus. Perhaps he was remembering the time he and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi (Acts 16:25-40). As they prayed and sang hymns at midnight, there was an earthquake that opened the prison doors and loosed everyone’s chains. The jailer responsible saw the scene and drew his sword to take his life before Paul stopped him, taught him about Christ, and baptized him and his entire family that night. Whatever prompted his thinking, Paul could have asked for prayers for so many things…and he prayed for opportunity to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
So, when we ask God for opportunity, let’s remember to ask for the opportunity to share more about Him, His Son, and His Word in the world around us!
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